Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Sugar) Recipe

Introduction

Slow cooker apple butter is a deliciously smooth and naturally sweet spread made without any added sugar. Using just apples and warm spices, this easy recipe fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and results in a flavorful treat perfect for toast, oatmeal, or baking.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker along with the cinnamon and cloves. Stir to combine evenly.
2. Step 2: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally until the apples become very soft and dark brown.
3. Step 3: Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooked apples to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Step 4: Return the apple butter to the slow cooker and cook uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours to thicken, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Let cool slightly before transferring to jars or containers for storage.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
• For a hint of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon and cloves.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the apple butter uncovered for longer during the final step.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract after blending for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling helps create a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer more fiber and a slightly chunkier spread.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, frozen apples work well for apple butter. Just thaw them before cooking and follow the same process.

Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Sugar) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 148 reviews

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe is a simple, no sugar-added way to enjoy a naturally sweet and spiced spread. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and cloves, it slowly simmers to a smooth, rich texture perfect for toast, oatmeal, or as a flavorful addition to desserts and savory dishes.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 8 medium apples)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine in slow cooker: Place the chopped apples, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Cook the apple mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the apples.
4. Blend to a smooth consistency: Once the apples are very soft and cooked down, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer portions to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
5. Cool and store: Let the apple butter cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.

Notes

• Choose naturally sweet apple varieties such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for best flavor without added sugar.
• Adjust spice levels to taste; add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.
• For a chunkier apple butter, blend partially or mash with a fork instead of pureeing fully.
• Apple butter thickens further as it cools. If too thick, thin with a splash of water or apple juice.
• This recipe contains no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the apples.

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker, no sugar, cinnamon, cloves, easy apple spread, homemade apple butter, healthy condiment